Sorority Rituals - Reflections On Rites of ... - Mari Ann Callais

necessary to develop two different theories to describe both sexes accurately. They argue that
research should be conducted based upon this concept.
Women’s Developmental Theory
According to Muss (1988), Gilligan’s research and theories provide a major impetus for
the rethinking of both developmental theory and the role of sex differences in theoretical
conceptualizations. Gilligan, who worked with Kohlberg in earlier studies, presents a new
perspective that challenges research to differentiate studies that addresses how males and females
make moral judgments and, as a result, may differ in development. Kohlberg (1984) conducted
studies concerning moral dilemmas, but originally conducted all of his research with males. He
later gave moral dilemmas to females and identified them separately and he did find sex
differences in the development of moral judgment. Gilligan (1982), however, took Kohlberg’s
theory that states that development takes place at different stages, and created what she refers too
as A Theoretical Consolidation: The Female Stages of Moral Reasoning. Through her studies,
Gilligan discovered that female development is marked by the need for connectedness whereas
males seek separation or individuality.
In addressing the major differences between male and female moral reasoning, Gilligan
(1982) maintains that the majority of males and females utilize two different voices. She states:
One of these voices, the one most commonly identified with the masculine world, speaks
of preserving rights, exercising justice, obeying rules, and upholding principle; logical
and individualistic, this male voice advocates equality, reciprocity, autonomy, and
individualization; in short, this represents the justice orientation. The other voice, more
dominant in women than in men, speaks of caring for others, sensitivity to others, concern
for others, connectedness to others (p. 227).
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